If you believe cemeteries and cremations are the only methods to say goodbye to the deceased, think again! High up in the Himalayas, Nepal has a funeral tradition that is both interesting and shocking: sky burials. Instead of burning or burying their loved ones, some Buddhist communities feed the remains to vultures as part of an old belief in the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Yes, this is nature’s most extreme rendition of “leave no trace.”
What Exactly is a Sky Burial?
A sky burial is a Tibetan Buddhist funeral practice in which the deceased’s body is left on a sacred hilltop for vultures to eat. What’s the idea? Instead of decomposing underground, the body merges with nature, feeding the birds that help clean the planet. It is regarded as a respectable and sacred practice which helps the soul’s transition to the next life while ensuring the body’s ultimate purpose.
Image Source: flickr
Why Do They Do It?
The Himalayas aren’t ideal for graveyards since digging deep in stony, cold terrain is practically impossible. Firewood for cremation? Also scarce. Sky burials coincide with Buddhist philosophy, which holds that the body is only a vessel for the soul, and what remains after death is simply leftovers.
The Ritual: Not for the Faint-Hearted
A professional funeral expert, known as a Ragyapa, prepares the dead, often shattering bones to make it easier for the vultures to feast. The birds, known as “Dakinis” or sky dancers, are regarded as spiritual messengers who transport the soul to its next destination. If the vultures consume the body swiftly, it is considered a positive omen, indicating that the person’s soul has good karma. What if they don’t? Maybe it’s time for some additional prayers!
Tourism and Taboos
While sky burials captivate many outsiders, they are extremely spiritual events that tourists should not interfere with. Some localities have even prohibited photographs in order to maintain the ritual’s sacredness. However, for those interested in Nepal’s rich traditions, understanding about sky burials provides a unique peek into a spiritual practice that challenges Western perspectives on death.
The Final Thought
Sky burials may appear excessive, yet they are rooted in a great respect for both life and nature. In some ways, it’s a poetic ending—returning to the ground in the most direct manner possible. So, while most of us are concerned about what’s for supper, in Nepal’s highlands, the question may be who’s for dinner. (Just kidding, only for the vultures!)
Life, death, and rebirth are all part of the grand cycle, and in Nepal, even the afterlife is gorgeous!
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